KIRBY

Memphis-born and Mississippi-raised, KIRBY’s upbringing was steeped in the rich musical traditions of the South. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of gospel, blues, and R&B, she developed her voice singing in a small church on top of a hill in Eudora, Mississippi. “Everyone who sang in the choir was related to me. My Grandma, cousins, and aunts. I remember the first time I led a song with my sister on piano and I was moved to tears. I was too young to know what was happening, but I knew God had given me a gift.” It was in these formative years that KIRBY began to develop her signature style, combining her powerful range, soulful melodies, candid storytelling, and an emotional depth and vulnerability that has connected with listeners around the world. With a career spanning songwriting, recording, performing, and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, KIRBY continues to rise as one of the most soulful voices of the South.

KIRBY’s songwriting talents are widely celebrated throughout the music industry, having contributed to some of the most iconic songs of this century. Her pen has helped shape the musical landscapes of global superstars, and her collaborative work is a testament to her versatility and range. Notable highlights of her songwriting career include co-writing “FourFiveSeconds,” the collaboration between Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney; “Only One” by Kanye West and Paul McCartney; “Tell Me You Love Me” by Demi Lovato; “Die With You” by Beyoncé; and “Break Your Heart Right Back” by Ariana Grande, among many others. KIRBY’s songwriting style is defined by its authenticity. “At this point in my life, if I ain’t lived it or I don’t want to live it, I won’t write it. I think it helps me stay grounded and tell the most authentic stories. In a world where AI can write a soul song in thirty seconds, we have a responsibility to put our real raw emotions, details, and stories in the music.” Her ability to write songs that speak to universal emotions, including love, heartbreak, triumph, and tragedy, has made her a one-of-a-kind collaborator and storyteller.

While KIRBY’s songwriting credits are extensive, her own artistry is where she truly shines. Her breakthrough came with her debut EP, Sis., a seven-track project produced by Homer Steinweiss and The Menahan Street Band, known for their work on Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black. With this project, KIRBY introduced her own take on modern soul and her commitment to creating “soul music for the future” in a time when many artists no longer ascribe to a single genre. The EP was met with critical acclaim and became a defining moment in her career, drawing attention not only for its unique sound but also for its fearless exploration of self-love, womanhood, and vulnerability. Appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, COLORS Berlin, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert further showcased her artistry, remarkable vocal ability, and emotional connection with audiences.

KIRBY’s powerful stage presence, combined with her signature raw and raspy falsetto, has earned her a dedicated following. Fans and critics alike praise her ability to bring lyrics to life. In her own words, “You can go anywhere on a Sunday morning and find a great singer in Mississippi, so I try to take that humility with me. My last name comes from the plantation that is the birthplace of the blues. I like to think that singing soul music and the blues isn’t something I chose, but a call that I have answered. When I sing, I hope those who came before me would be proud; that they would hear themselves in the dialect, the cadence, the tears, and the joy. I don’t sing for me. I sing for those who sang on the land they worked and tilled for, but never owned. I sing for the Mississippians before me who gave us America’s music.”

Among her most beloved songs is her first single, “Loved By You,” an introspective ballad that explores acceptance, love, and vulnerability. Equally impactful is “Black Leaves,” a spiritual Southern hymn originally written for ABC’s Women of the Movement. Inspired by the story of Mamie Till-Mobley and her pursuit of justice for her son Emmett Till, the song reflects KIRBY’s commitment to honoring Black history, Southern heritage, and the women whose strength has shaped generations. Together, these songs have amassed more than 150 million streams and demonstrate her ability to blend personal reflection, cultural storytelling, and commercial appeal. As KIRBY often says, “Soul music doesn’t have a color. If it touched you, then it’s for you.”

In 2023, KIRBY took on the groundbreaking role of Ni’jah, the fictional global pop superstar featured in Amazon Prime Video’s acclaimed series Swarm, created by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers. As the voice behind the character, she contributed original music that became central to the show’s exploration of celebrity, fandom, identity, and culture. The role further solidified her reputation as an artist capable of moving seamlessly across genres and creative spaces.

Most recently, KIRBY lends her voice to another major screen project as the performer of “Saving Grace,” the official opening title theme song for Amazon Prime Video’s highly anticipated live-action series Spider-Noir. The sultry, retro-inspired track further showcases her ability to bridge classic soul influences with contemporary storytelling while bringing her distinctive sound to audiences around the world.

Beyond her commercial success, KIRBY continues to position herself as both an artist and cultural storyteller. Deeply inspired by Mississippi’s history and the legacy of the blues, she views her work as part of a much larger narrative. “When I go to the Dockery Plantation and stand on the land that my ancestors picked cotton on, sang on, danced on, and cried on, how can I not feel a responsibility to tell their story?” she reflects. “I’ve chosen hymns over hits, stories over samples, and truth over trends.”

That commitment to honoring the past while shaping the future is at the heart of KIRBY’s current artistic journey. Her latest work embraces what she describes as music that is “unapologetically Southern, unapologetically Mississippi, and undoubtedly rooted in the Mississippi Blues,” connecting generations through stories of faith, resilience, identity, and belonging.

As she continues to break barriers and expand her artistic reach, KIRBY remains committed to telling stories that honor her ancestors, celebrate Black culture, and connect people through the power of truth, soul, and song. Her voice carries the spirit of Mississippi while helping shape the future of American music, proving that some of the most powerful stories still rise from Southern soil.